While the peace process has been destroyed by the British
government Sinn Féin's peace strategy is still strong and
viable. So said the party's Vice-President Pat Doherty when
he delivered the annual Kevin Coen/Joe MacManus memorial
lecture in Sligo last weekend.

Doherty said that Sinn Féin sought ``revolutionary change''
but this can only come about ``through a strategy that has a
tactical application''. The British government wrecked the
peace process but Sinn Féin's peace strategy had reaped
enormous benefits:

``It opened up the whole question of partition and of the
real nature of the Six-County state - a debate that had been
all but silenced in the 26 Counties. And I saw how
nationalists throughout Ireland regained the hope and vision
of a united Ireland.''

Pat Doherty who will himself be a Sinn Féin candidate in
both the Donegal North East Leinster House constituency and
the West Tyrone Westminster constituency, stressed the vital
importance of the upcoming elections which are ``an absolute
priority for republicans''. He also paid tribute to Sean,
Helen and Chris MacManus who were present on the platform,
the family of Volunteer Joe MacManus who was killed on
active service five years ago. Earlier that Sunday 9
February, a wreath-laying ceremony was held at Volunteer
MacManus's grave.